Growing Up God’s Way

by Faith Kamau | Jun 27, 2025 | Articles, Kids, Mentorship, Preteens, Teens

A Preteen’s Guide to Faith, Friends, and Fun

Growing up is a big deal. One minute you’re playing tag on the playground, and the next you’re figuring out who your real friends are, what you believe, and how to make your own decisions. It’s exciting… but it can also be confusing.

Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. God is with you every step of the way, and He has a good plan for your life!

Whether you’re trying to figure out who you are, how to handle friendships, or how to grow in your faith, this blog is for you. Let’s walk through some fun, faith-filled tips to help you grow up God’s way with confidence, courage, and joy!

1. Who Am I?

Discovering Your Identity in Christ

Before you figure out what you want to be, it’s so important to know who you are.

Here’s the truth straight from the Bible:

You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
You have a unique purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).
You don’t have to compare yourself to anyone.

Your identity isn’t based on how many likes you get, what clothes you wear, or what others think of you. You are already deeply loved by God, and that makes you valuable.

So the next time you doubt yourself, remember: you are God’s masterpiece.

2. Making and Keeping Great Friends

Friendships That Build You Up

Friends matter a lot. The people you hang around can either lift you up or pull you down.

What does God say about friendship?

“A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).
“Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Here’s how to choose (and be!) a godly friend:

Look for honesty, kindness, and shared faith.
Be someone who forgives, encourages, and sticks around even when it’s tough.
If friends pressure you to do the wrong thing? You can say no with love and courage.

Being a real friend means loving others the way Jesus loves you with truth and grace.

3. Making Wise Choices

Decisions That Honor God

Let’s be honest, life gives us a lot of choices. Some are easy (chocolate or vanilla?), and others feel a lot harder (speak the truth or stay silent?).

Here’s how you can start making wise choices now:

Pray before deciding. God loves to give you wisdom.
Think about the consequences, good and bad.
Learn to say no when something doesn’t align with your values or faith.

When in doubt, ask yourself:
“Does this choice honor God?”
That one question can keep you on the right path.

4. Growing in Your Faith

Every Day, Not Just Sunday

You don’t have to be a grown-up to have a deep relationship with Jesus. Your preteen years are the perfect time to start building a strong foundation of faith.

Here’s how to grow closer to God:

Spend time in prayer and reading your Bible daily.
When things are tough, remember: God is with you. Always.
Look for ways to serve others, and show love, faith in action is powerful!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about God. That’s how your faith grows deeper and stronger.

5. Having Fun That Honors God

Yes, It’s Possible and Awesome!

God isn’t against fun. He invented joy! But He does care how you have fun. The best kind of fun is the kind that doesn’t compromise your values or hurt your relationship with God.

Here’s what that looks like:

Choose music, movies, and games that are uplifting and clean.
Make time for fun, and responsibility both matter.
Serve others with your gifts and talents, and you’ll find joy there too.
Get involved in your church or youth group. Christian fun is the best kind of fun!

You don’t have to follow the crowd to have a good time. Fun with faith? Possible.

Final Thoughts: You Were Made for This

Growing up God’s way doesn’t mean being perfect. It means walking with Jesus every day, learning, growing, making mistakes, and getting back up again with His help.

So, whether you’re navigating tricky friendships, figuring out your identity, or just looking for ways to enjoy life while honoring God, remember this:

God is with you. He loves you. And He’s cheering you on.

Stay true to who He made you to be. Surround yourself with good people. Keep growing your faith. And never forget you’re on the greatest adventure of your life.

Are you ready?
Let’s grow up God’s way together!

You Are Special

by Faith Kamau | Jun 6, 2025 | Advices, Articles, Mentorship, Parenting, Preteens, Teens

Understanding Your Identity in Christ as a Preteen

Growing up isn’t always easy. Between school, friends, social media, and big emotions, it’s easy to start asking, “Who am I?” or “Am I good enough?”

The world throws a lot of confusing messages at preteens:
“You need to look a certain way.”
“You have to be popular to matter.”
“Your worth is in what you achieve.”

But here’s the truth: your identity is not something you have to earn. It’s something God gave you. You are special, deeply loved, and created on purpose by the Creator of the universe.

This blog will help you discover what God says about who you are and how to live every day with confidence, faith, and joy.

1. You Were Created in God’s Image

Your Worth Comes from Your Maker

You’re not a mistake. You weren’t randomly thrown together. You were made on purpose and for a purpose.

“So God created mankind in his own image…” Genesis 1:27

Being made in God’s image means you reflect His goodness, creativity, and love. That’s where your true worth comes from, not your achievements, talents, looks, or followers.

When you start seeing yourself the way God sees you, it changes everything. You’ll treat yourself and others with kindness, respect, and confidence.

2. You Are Loved and Chosen

God Picked You Long Before the World Noticed You

Ever feel like you’re not good enough? Like you don’t belong? God says the opposite.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God…” Romans 8:38-39

You don’t have to fight for God’s approval; you already have it. You don’t have to be perfect. God loves you just as you are. And that love? It’s unshakable, unbreakable, and unstoppable.

When you start embracing His love, you’ll stop chasing after the world’s approval and start walking in peace.

3. You Have a Purpose

God’s Plan for You Is Bigger Than You Think

You weren’t just created to exist; you were created to make a difference.

“For I know the plans I have for you…” Jeremiah 29:11

God has a beautiful plan for your life. He’s placed gifts, dreams, and talents inside you that will bless the world. Even when you don’t know what the future holds, you can trust the One who holds it.

Start by using your gifts to serve others, encouraging your friends, or helping at church. You’ll be surprised how much purpose you find in everyday moments.

4. You Can Overcome Insecurity and Comparison

Confidence Begins with Truth

It’s easy to scroll through social media and feel like you don’t measure up. But God never asked you to be someone else. He asked you to be the exact person He created.

Comparison steals joy. But truth brings freedom:

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
God doesn’t make mistakes, and He didn’t start with you.
You are enough because Jesus is enough.

Instead of comparing, start celebrating who you are. And when those insecure thoughts pop up, fight them with God’s Word.

5. Live Like You Know Who You Are

Identity in Action

Knowing your identity in Christ isn’t just about believing it; it’s about living it out every day.

Here’s how:

Reflect Christ in your words, actions, and decisions.
Choose friends who build you up and point you to Jesus.
Make choices that align with your faith, even when it’s hard.

Your identity isn’t just a label; it’s a lifestyle. The more you walk in God’s truth, the more confident, kind, and bold you’ll become.

Final Thoughts: You Are God’s Masterpiece

You don’t need to be anyone else.
You don’t need to prove yourself.
You don’t need to wait to grow up before God can use you.

You are special. You are chosen. You are enough.

So walk confidently. Trust God’s plan. Love others deeply. And never forget your identity is in Christ, and that makes you unstoppable.

Are you ready to fully embrace who God made you to be?
Let’s walk this faith journey together. You were made for it!

💬 Want to share this with your preteen?

Print it out, talk about it during family devotion time, or use it as a journaling prompt to help them grow deeper in faith and confidence.